While every other dirtbike manufacturer is staring down the barrel of a rapidly shrinking market one marque has firmly shirked that trend to record massive growth in both sales and market share.

Review: Husqvarna TE449 and TE511

07 Oct 2016Trevor Hedge

Husqvarna was up nearly 20% at the end of 2009 and is up a further 20% on that figure in 2010. With their aggressively priced new TE449 and TE511 models Husky are hoping that growth continues into 2011.

Following on from their TE450 and TE511 predecessors the new TE449 and TE511 are the product of a Husqvarna-BMW mating that has seen the German genes assert their dominance over the once Swedish but now primarily Italian Husqvarna.

The cross border breeding continues with the BMW designed engine being produced by Kymco in Taiwan. This is pearler of an engine in enduro form with crisp fuelling and a linear progression of power.

Displacing 449cc in TE449 guise, or 478cc due to a 3mm larger bore in TE511 form, the engine proves flexible and resistant to stalling. Keihin manufactures the dual-butterfly 46mm throttle body and Husqvarna has done a great job with the mapping.

Partnered with the BMW derived and Husqvarna improved rear suspension design the new TE models are traction monsters. With the December launch coinciding with record rainfall in the region surrounding the test loops at Clocka's Enduro Adventure Park near Braidwood (NSW) this was one trait I was very thankful for.

The Husky's hooked up when they had no right to across all manner of surfaces that included deep mud, grass track and moss covered trails.

Another trait of the innovative rear suspension design, whereby the swingarm pivots through the countershaft sprocket, which was not so welcome was that the way the rear end dug in made the bike quite a handful to steer in the tight stuff.

Perhaps it is just a 'feel' thing brought on by the different way the Husky squats at the rear in comparison to a conventional bike combined with the TE feeling a little fatter between the knees than most of the competition.

The Kayaba suspension proved quite impressive with nary a hint of front deflection and an initial plushness in the fork stroke helped shrug off troublesome rocks during steep descents.

There's little doubt it would prove a little too plush at the front for an expert level rider but I found it fine.

The smoothness of the engine, great traction and ability of the suspension help offset the larger feel of the Husky which helps reduce rider fatigue levels. Ergonomically the Husky proves quite versatile while standing up or sitting down.

The edges of the seat are a little sharp and the seat extending all the way to the steering head takes a little getting accustomed to and gives the feeling of being perched on top.

A six-speed gearbox allows the engine an easier time of it during open transit sections. And with a quite generous for the class 8.5 litre fuel cell helps endow the Husqvarna with a range approaching 150km depending on the terrain encountered.

The tank is split between a 6.5 litre cell under the seat and a second transparent 2 litre sub-tank situated immediately behind the engine that allows for quick visual checks of the fuel level. A nice feature, as is the hydraulic clutch, electric starter and thoughtful attention to detail when it comes to the convenience of maintenance tasks that owners will grow to appreciate.

At $11,995 for the TE449 and a $300 premium for the 28cc larger TE511 Husqvarna has undercut every other manufacturer in the hard enduro segment.

And to really upset the competition Husky are also throwing in a stainless steel Akrapovic exhaust system in addition to the standard EURO3 specification standard kit. The Akrapovic system and updated mapping provides an 8% power boost but does not come at the cost of auditory annoyance, a nice bark is added to the note but is not bellicose enough to cause affront.

Adding to the value factor further is an industry leading 12 month parts and labour warranty backed up by a 56 strong Australian dealer network.

That all adds up to a convincing argument in Husqvarna's favour and will likely help the brand to continue its strong growth path into 2011.